State Notebook

Freshman QB Cameron Newton beat out fellow freshman John Brantley to be Tim Tebow's backup to start the season. Last season, Tebow came in and provided what starter Chris Leak did not: a running game.

Coach Urban Meyer said Newton is similar to Tebow in that neither is a traditional drop-back passer, as Leak was. Meyer said he does not yet have a specific plan in mind for Newton, as he did with Tebow.

"Everybody wants this and wants that, it's what you got," Meyer said. "The reason we did [the two-quarterback system] last year is because he was much different than our starting quarterback in Chris."

Meyer said he does not plan to redshirt Brantley, but if Newton plays well it is likely that Brantley will redshirt. That doesn't mean there aren't plans for him. "We're preparing [Brantley] to be a starting quarterback at Florida," he said. ...

WR Andre Caldwell, OT Phil Trautwein, OL Drew Miller, S Tony Joiner and DE Derrick Harvey will be the team captains, Meyer announced Saturday. Caldwell was the leading vote-getter among his teammates. ...

Freshman CB Joe Haden has clinched a starting corner spot opposite Markihe Anderson. "He's one of the top five fastest guys on the team," Meyer said. "He's a competitor and he's just outperforming the other guys right now."

- Brian Steele

SEMINOLES

RB Smith on the good foot as toe injury subsides

The guy coach Bobby Bowden believes Florida State can least afford to be without - junior RB Antone Smith - has been slowed by a toe injury but is nearing full strength.

"Came out today, felt pretty good at times, after I started getting in the flow of things," Smith said after Saturday night's light scrimmage.

Bowden, too, noticed improvement in his starter, who will likely be the focal point of the new offense installed by Jimbo Fisher. Bowden has no plans to lighten Smith's load during practice next week.

"Nobody can take it easy," Bowden said. "Time to get ready to play."

- Andrew Carter

OWLS

FB Rose will be relied upon, Schnellenberger says

After FB Aaron Sanchez closed out his career last season, the question was whether Willie Rose, who had been plagued by injuries, could fill the starting spot for FAU.

Rose (6 feet 1, 227 pounds) has stayed healthy and been impressive in practice. "He blocks well, can catch and is a better runner than you might think," coach Howard Schnellenberger said of the sophomore from Tampa. "We plan on using him a lot."